SAN MARCOS, TX – October 12 is the date. The Hilton Austin is the place. Recognizing the visionary leadership of the Foundation’s founders, gourmet dining, live and silent auctions and entertainment by “Asleep at the Wheel” are among the highlighted activities planned for the CTMC Foundation’s 16th annual Stars of Texas Gala.

“At the core of planning and organizing this event is our hope to nurture new relationships as our organization grows and looks to the future,” said CTMC Foundation Coordinator, Jerilyn Miller.

Austin’s own award-winning journalist, Ron Oliveira of KEYE television, will be the master of ceremonies of the gala which will open its doors at 5 p.m. Tickets are already on sale for $150 each and bidding is underway on the new online portion of the auction. The online auction will run from September 12, 2008, to October 9, 2008, with live and silent events taking place on October 12, 2008. Auction items range from vacation getaways to one of a kind jewelry. Bidders need to be sure to visit www.ctmc.cmarket.com regularly as new items will be added frequently.

This year’s fundraising effort will benefit the new Neonatal Critical Care Unit (NCCU) that is being developed as part of CTMC’s $35 million expansion project which broke ground on Sept. 4. Previous money raised has resulted in the installation of the first cardiac catheterization lab, expansion of the emergency department, relocation and remodeling the cardiopulmonary department, and, most recently, installation of new breast cancer imaging equipment.

“I am excited for this opportunity to thank those who are supporting the efforts of CTMC – be it with gifts of time, money or prayer,” said President and CEO Gary Jepson. “The addition of the Neonatal Critical Care Unit is just a part of our growth as we continue to find ways to provide the best care possible to our community.”

The CTMC Foundation was established in 1982 as a 501(c)(3)non-profit, tax exempt organization to raise philanthropic funds for improving programs, facilities and services available through the CTMC health ministry. Since its formation, the CTMC Foundation has helped raise more than $2 million through events such as the Stars of Texas Gala, the Have a Heart for Hospice luncheon, the Hats Off for Hospice event and the capital campaign which helped build the current Wonder World Dr. campus.

If you would like to purchase a ticket to this year’s Stars of Texas Gala, or if you would like more information about how you can contribute, please call Jerilyn Miller at (512) 753-3687 or visit www.ctmc.org